Paintbox Yarns Lots of Love Cushion Cover Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Lots of Love Cushion Cover

Project Overview

The Lots of Love Cushion Cover is an intermediate-level knitting project designed to create a decorative square cushion cover measuring 45 cm (18 inches) to fit a standard cushion pad. This free downloadable pattern combines colorwork techniques with functional construction, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to develop their skills in stranded knitting and buttonhole placement.

What You Will Create

This project produces a finished cushion cover featuring a vibrant multicolor design worked in Paintbox Yarns Simply DK yarn. The cover is constructed to fit a 45 cm square cushion pad and includes four decorative buttons (approximately 3 cm or 1¼ inches in diameter) for closure.

Yarn and Materials Required

• Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in six colors: Champagne White (main color - 2 × 100g balls), Pillar Red (1 × 100g ball), Blush Pink (1 × 100g ball), Lipstick Pink (1 × 100g ball), Tomato Red (1 × 100g ball), Banana Cream (1 × 100g ball), and Candyfloss Pink (1 × 100g ball)
• Needles: Pair of 3¼mm (UK 10 - US 3) knitting needles and pair of 4mm (UK 8 – US 6) knitting needles
• Notions: 4 buttons, each approximately 3 cm (1¼ inches) in diameter

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate project incorporates several key knitting techniques that build on fundamental skills:

• Stranded Knitting: The pattern uses stranded colorwork, a technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across the back of the work to create the multicolor design. This requires managing multiple yarn strands while maintaining even tension throughout the piece.
• Worked Flat: The cushion cover is constructed by working flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward row-by-row construction and easier color changes.
• Buttonholes: The pattern includes buttonhole construction, which creates openings for the four decorative buttons used to close the cushion cover. This functional detail adds both aesthetic appeal and practical closure to the finished piece.
• Seaming: The cover is finished using seaming techniques to join pieces together and create a polished, professional appearance.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (g st): Created by knitting every row, garter stitch provides a textured, reversible fabric often used for borders or specific pattern sections.
• Stocking Stitch (st st): Formed by knitting right-side rows and purling wrong-side rows, stocking stitch creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that serves as the base for the stranded colorwork design. The pattern is worked over stocking stitch using 4mm needles.

Tension and Sizing

Achieving the correct tension (gauge) is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm (UK 8 – US 6) needles. Knitters should work a tension swatch of at least 13 cm (5 inches) square before beginning the main project. If your swatch shows more stitches and rows than specified, use thicker needles; if fewer, use thinner needles. Working to the correct tension ensures the finished cushion cover will measure 45 cm square as intended and prevents yarn quantity miscalculations.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this project is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle multicolor stranded knitting. The combination of colorwork, buttonhole placement, and seaming techniques provides a satisfying challenge while remaining achievable for experienced beginners.

Pattern Notes

The pattern uses UK knitting terminology with US equivalents provided in parentheses throughout the instructions. Yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements. Paintbox Yarns recommends using the specified Simply DK yarn for best results; substituting other yarns may affect the final measurements and appearance of the cushion cover.